In a rare bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, advancing legislation designed to address the nation’s housing shortage and improve affordability.
The bill passed by a vote of 396-13 and combines elements of earlier House and Senate proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing regulatory barriers, and expanding opportunities for homeownership.
House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.) said the legislation focuses on practical solutions that will help American families.
“This bill prioritizes American families by expanding homeownership, enhancing affordability, reducing burdensome regulations that drive up costs, and increasing housing supply nationwide,” Hill said.
Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) emphasized the growing affordability crisis facing many Americans.
“America is in the middle of a full-blown affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and working families are burdened by skyrocketing rents and a housing market that is pushing homeownership further out of reach,” Waters said.
Among its key provisions, the legislation streamlines federal permitting processes, encourages zoning reforms, supports modular and manufactured housing, and raises loan limits for multifamily developments to spur construction. It also updates FHA and VA loan programs, expands support for rural and veteran housing, and strengthens the role of community banks in mortgage lending.
The bill includes measures aimed at limiting large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, a policy supporters say will help keep more homes available for families.
Industry organizations, including the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors, praised the legislation, saying it addresses long-standing barriers to housing development while promoting supply growth.
The amended measure now returns to the Senate for consideration. If approved, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
With both chambers showing strong bipartisan support for housing reform, lawmakers hope the legislation can become law before the end of the year as housing affordability remains a major concern for Americans nationwide.
